Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Sophie
A lex lifts a glass. "Here's to Sophia's Blend. She was a huge success today."
His grin is so adorable, yet mischievous at the same time, that I can’t hold back the laughter. He hasn’t stopped crowing about winning the naming contest today. Yet, I have to admit, the name Sophia's Blend does give the new wine a fancy edge.
I tap my glass to his and take a sip. "To Sophia's Blend . I can't wait to rub it in my brothers' faces."
I feel Alex's answering chuckle deep in my bones as I take a sip of my creation. The flavor is light, crisp, and ever so slightly sweet.
Utter perfection, if I do say so myself.
“This is my favorite spot in Pelican Point,” I comment, watching the waves churn onto the sandy shoreline. “I found it not long after I got here. It’s so peaceful and private.” I meet his inquisitive gaze. “I like to come here when I need to think.”
“It’s perfect,” Alex murmurs, and I don’t know if he’s talking about the beach or the wine. He holds his glass up to the waning light, tilting it from side to side. "You know…we really do have a fantastic wine on our hands here. I'll be interested in hearing the results of Brennen's mysterious critic and competition."
I can't stop the snort that explodes from my mouth. "Everything about Brennen is mysterious. His moods, his behavior, his business choices… Why should critics and competitions be any different? But I agree, and I really don’t like that he set them up without including me. I’ve refused to be part of critic tastings for their old wines, but this one is my baby. And I want to know how this wine will rank."
Alex picks up a carrot from the charcuterie platter that sits off to the side and swirls it in the hummus. "Do you think the batch we made last week will be just as good?"
I shake my head slowly from side to side and start to chuckle as Alex's face falls. His pouty bottom lip and puppy dog eyes are adorable. "You don't think so?"
"Nope," I reply, emphasizing the 'p.' Then I grin. "It'll be even better."
In an instant, his smooth chocolate gaze brightens, and if it was possible for eyes to sparkle like an anime character, his would right now. "Really?"
God, I really want to kiss him. The expression on his face is sincere and hopeful, sending his attractiveness off the charts. I've been replaying that scene at the ballfield nonstop since that night, and I’m dying to repeat it. But Alex has been nothing but a Boy Scout at every interaction, which has been frequent considering we’re together constantly, working on the new blends.
Right now, I just want to grab him by the ears and slam my mouth against his.
How romantic, Soph!
Instead, I draw in a full breath, enjoying the fresh sea air and sound of the surf as I look out at the darkening sky. My eyes automatically search out the stars. The setting sun is behind us, and while most people would rather watch as it sinks into the horizon, I prefer staring out at the night sky as it awakens.
I slowly nod my head. "Yeah, really. In my experience, when you've nailed the recipe the first time, it just keeps getting better and better. And that red wine we're creating right now will be just as good." I pop an olive in my mouth, enjoying the briny contrast to the wine. "That new experimental varietal we're growing is a phenomenal blending grape. I have to admit, I was skeptical when Brennen first told me about it. Florida isn't a great place to grow wine grapes, but he really has something there. And I? — "
I glance at Alex and my mind goes blank. He's lounging on his elbow, his rich brown eyes on me — hot, needy, and full of desire. If I didn't know better, I'd think my weird work talk turns him on.
"Yeah? And?" he asks softly, leaning closer.
I blink, trying to clear the sudden cobwebs in my brain. "And, uh… um…"
Finally, my mind catches up, and I remember my train of thought. "It wouldn't surprise me if we had visitors from across the pond who are interested in the new grape. Especially with its fungus-resistant genes."
Alex bobs his head, and I can't stop my eyes from following his lips like a flower follows the sun. I feel like I'm losing control of myself.
The corner of his mouth tilts up in a lopsided grin as he sets his wine aside. He leans even closer and whispers, "You'll have to excuse me. But I've been thinking about doing this all day... since the ball game, actually. And I'm tired of holding myself back."
I hold my breath as his hand threads through my loosened braid, and my body shudders, knowing what's about to happen. My lips part as he pulls me closer; then finally, his mouth slants across mine, and everything in me ignites.
I never knew kissing could be like this, but I can't get enough of him as our tongues duel. He's more intoxicating than the wine. I shiver at his moan, answering it with one of my own.
Alex rolls me beneath him, and I wrap my legs around his waist, desperate to get closer. He tears his mouth away and growls as he nips a trail down my throat.
"God, Soph. I can't get enough of you," he mutters.
My breath erupts in short pants, and as his warm hand inches across my bare stomach, the electric pulse I've always felt with him amplifies. I arch my chest, nipples stiff, and desperate for his touch.
"Alex, please," I half groan, half whisper.
I whimper when, with an annoyed growl, Alex props himself above me. A loud ringing finally breaks through my daze, and the world starts to shift back into focus. He disentangles himself from me and sits back on his knees, pulling his phone from his pocket.
"Sorry, Soph. I was expecting this call earlier." He glances at the screen and frowns. "Dammit. I'm sorry. I have to take this. Give me a minute."
I blink, my mind completely muddled, as Alex strides several feet away toward the churning surf and answers his call. He bobs his head several times and glances at me over his shoulder.
I don't know why I'm so shocked that he took a call while we were making out. He's been taking mysterious calls since he arrived. Or maybe not. I mean, he is a long way from home, after all. It's really none of my business, but I can't help but wonder if he left a girlfriend back in Texas, or even worse, a wife.
Maybe it is a good thing he got the call when he did. I grimace as I lift up and look around. Our wine glasses have toppled over. Even worse, my legs are splayed out unattractively on the lumpy picnic blanket, and sand is everywhere.
Ugh! Gross, Sophie. That was close.
My pulse pounds in my head as I realize I nearly crossed the line with an employee. I am his boss , for fuck's sake. I know better than to make this mistake . I have watched my brothers do it time and time again, much to my father's disappointment. And here I was about to do the same thing.
I glance at Alex again. He's totally engrossed in his conversation, gesticulating with his hands and nodding. I can hear a few words here and there, but nothing else over the wind and surf. Honestly, I don't want to know what he's saying. It's none of my business, and I just had a very necessary wake-up call.
This would have been a huge mistake.